Update on my Ikea lamp.

Ikea not such a good idea. days of glorious sunshine, and the light still does not work. Faulty product or not suitable for UK environment? Either way, I've given up on it, and given it away.
Fab idea but if the product doesn't live up to expectations, it's just no good!

However, I've found another light product that I'm super impressed with - a wind-up torch. It works, and I've used it when the fuse box blew. It does what you'd expect it to do, and is easy to wind up. I like it. Can't remember where I bought it, but it may have been a garden centre or somewhere like that? anyway, I recommend it as a good little gadget, put it in a safe place, and next time the power goes out, wind it up, and hey-presto- you have light. easy peasy, and it's light and compact, so easy to keep anywhere.

The world of reusable nappies..........................

The world of reusable nappies gets ever so complicated. Different brands and different fabrics, different fits and different washing instructions.
I was glad to find a washing powder that has been made specifically for reusable, nappies. Potion made by TotsBots fits the bill.
It has been designed to be used at a lower temperature of 30degrees, so saving on heating water costs to the pocket and planet.
Not tested on animals and stated as vegan. Excellent buy!

Reusable is so much better for so many reasons! at least that's what I think...

There are many versions of reusable nappies on the market. They come in a range of colours, patterns, sizes, fabrics. Something for everyone. But where does a novice start? We had that predicament. We researched the market a bit, and tried quite a few makes, but in the end it's very much try it and see what suits the individual.
We found the type that suits us the best (as in seems to keep waste in best) is the PopIn by Close Parent. They have a good selection, and seem comfortable, easy to use, adjustable, washes well, and will keep baby dry for about 2 hours or so. Some of the others we tried, leaked very quickly. Some seemed less comfortable around the leg. So all in all these seem to fit our need. We still use disposable for night-time or going out, as the reusable do not keep the waste in as long, so going anywhere for longer than an hour or so  would be difficult, and overnight would mean too many changes. However, while at home, we happily use these reusable nappies. It's a compromise, but every little counts!
But, now here's a big BUT! reading about the impact on disposable nappies (diapers) v reusable, apparently there's a big debate going on. Now without going into the whole argument, briefly summarised it's about landfill v energy and water use (for washing nappies) and the land needed for cotton for reusable. More can be read by googling the subject or click here for one article about the debate from familiesonline. So I guess it's about personal choice. And now I'm off to do a bit more reading about the pro's and cons of nappy types!

Vegan by chance, eco by design.

I went shopping in Ikea recently, and found this solar charged desk light. A fabulous idea, and I had to have one. Now, I know the UK is not very sunny, not even in summer are we guaranteed glorious sunshine! But I assumed that if they were selling them in the UK, they would be suitable. Well, hmmmmm, maybe I have to wait until the summer for my final judgement on this, but so far, it doesn't work :(
The instructions say the initial charging time is 12hours of sunshine, outdoors sunshine, not through a window. I've put the charge pack outside for several days in various places outdoors, on days when it has been sunny, and so far ....nothing...... No light.
The solar pack pushed out of the light base easily, so it is simple enough to charge. it's a great idea. Free power for lighting, and portable -  it's quite light and the arm is flexible (bendy) so could be used anywhere. But without being able to get enough sunshine to charge it up, it's a waste of money. It may be just a money making gimmick, it may be a fabulous energy saving, eco deivce, that I can sing praises about, while saving money and helping the earth, but so far, it's just a desk light that doesn't work. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a happy surprise in the summer!

Trying to replace plastic in the home, one item at a time ..........

I won't claim to have done any research on this. I'm just going by what feels better for me. But lately i have been thinking a lot about replacing plastic in the home. Of course I already use re-usable bags for shopping, recycle what I can, and am trying to only buy things I need, rather than for the sake of it. But I am concerned about the effect plastic has on our well being. I use containers for storing food, in the fridge for keeping food fresh, and it occurred to me that the kettle is also plastic. it would be wasteful to just throw it away, as it works perfectly well. So I decided I will give it away to someone who doesn't mind plastic and really needs it. I bought a metal kettle.I may be wrong in thinking that metal is better (stainless steel), but my instinct tells me it's better for my body and the environment. As for performance, - the metal kettle is noisier, quite a bit noisier. and of course the outside of the metal kettle gets a lot hotter, so careful around it! At first the water tasted add, but after a few boils, it seems to taste fine. Now I must do some research into the benefits of a metal kettle as opposed to a plastic one, and I'll post my findings when I have.......................

Not such a website geek!

I've tried, oh how I've tried, but I cannot get on with a website! I've tried Mr Site, couldn't suss that out, tried 1and1, but no joy there either, my latest attempt is with Bluehost, but things are still not going right. I want a website that is easy to use, that I can update myself, and looks good. I tried the site feed from this blog, to go to my website, but no, after the first few feeds, it seems to have stopped, so I've just deleted the feed, as I didn't want my posts to be hanging in mid air (cyberspace), and gone back to good old blogger, that I understand on a basic level, maybe this is as good as it gets for me? If anyone has any ideas on how I can get a website that i can easily use and update as I please,, without spending a fortune on web designers, I'd like to know. oh, and if anyone wants to have a look at my pathetic attempt at a website via blue host, the address is: www.veganessa.com  .
Any ideas on how to improve the site would be gratefully received too!

Superdrug - They label products suitable for vegans!

What a super surprise I had when I went into a Superdrug Store and found that they label the products that are suitable for vegans.
So instead of just buying the one thing I had gone in for, I ended up with a basket full of moisturisers, toiletries, oh, everything I could use, and all labelled vegan! So, other shops, how about you follow the good example of Superdrug and give vegans a clue as to what is suitable for them, after all, it can only increase sales!
Thank you Superdrug, and WELL DONE!

Freedom Frozen Dessert .............. for Allergy sufferers and everyone else!Recipe Free From... * Dairy * Sugar * Gluten * Soya * Egg * Nuts * Artificial flavours or colours Suitable for vegetarians, coeliacs and vegans

An interesting introduction to Freedom Frozen Dessert.
Available from a range of large Supermarkets, as well as independent retailers, so easily available. I happened to spot the Vanilla flavour at a local Adsa store, and the "vegan" labelling drew me to it. I had to try some. A new vegan product always has to be tried! It reminded me of a glace rather than an ice-cream, and was refreshing and sweet. I liked it. i like the company's profile and history. I like the fact that it can appeal to such a wide audience, why shouldn't allergy sufferers have treats too. A fabulous idea, and a lovely product. It was kinda luxurious without the guilt! or at least that's what it seemed like to me. Now I want to try the other flavours, mmmmmmmmm quite fancy the chocolate one right now!

Tasty Vegan Treats

It's been a while since I posted any reviews, so I thought I'd make up for it with some sweet treats.

LazyDays Tiffin is the perfect chocolate treat. It's rich, smooth chocolate, with biscuit bits and raisins. Sensational, and every bite to be savoured and enjoyed.  truly a plush, delicious, luxurious, decadent treat. I love them with a cup of tea.

 

They melt in your mouth and leave a very satisfying sweet chocolatey taste afterwards.

What more can I say, try some, you won't regret it.

Eat Out Vegan Wales

This free booklet and Internet guide 'EAT OUT VEGAN WALES' is a must have for vegans in Wales or a Vegan visiting Wales. Areas are listed alphabetically, and it's a big help for vegan eating in the smaller towns of Wales , where one may otherwise not have known where on earth to find vegan food. It's nice to know, cafes and restaurants are being added regularly, and listings amended when establishments are less than vegan friendly.

A few of my favourite things..............................

 A look through any Vegan Etsy Team Members shop, will show a wonderful array of items all very inspirational and original. Here are a few of my favourite shops and items:

This darling kitty brooch by Mvegan5 is a wonderful example of the creative pieces you will find on Etsy.
Mvegan5 has a shop full of enchanting cards and jewellery. And for those that want something truly unique Mvegan5 offers Custom Animal Paintings.
Another favourite of mine is DaisyWares.
At DaisyWares you will find the most wonderful cruelty-free, vegan suitable toiletries, such as lip balms, face masks, body scrubs and soaps, including this amazing Lemon and Lime Soap - my favourite.
DaisyWares also sells beautiful and meaningful jewellery, some with a heartfelt message.

  MerryBluesArt has a fabulous assortment of art and paper goods that are eco-friendly, useful and very interesting.
Check out these DIY non toxic cleaning recipes. A novel idea, and handy to keep in your cleaning
cupboard for inspiration on green cleaning.

Finally I found this cute print by myzoetrope.
The print is titled "I got your back"
It's from the Forever Friends series of adorable prints.
Myzoetrope also sells cards and original art work. a delightful, colourful shop, with enchanting artwork.


By searching VeganEtsy Team, you will find a superb assortment of vegan items, something for everyone. And with christmas around the corner, maybe it's time to start looking!

Twig and Leaf Botanical - an amazing Etsy shop.

Twig & Leaf is a small, couple owned and operated business in Boulder, Colorado. They use only vegan ingredients and organically grown or wildcrafted plant materials in all of our products.
Their products are made from natural, organic plant material, without any chemical additives.
All of their packaging is RECYCLED!  Their glass jars are thick recycled glass.

A wonderful shop selling a huge variety of natural herbs and potions, that will not only be good for your body and skin but fill your senses with joy. How about a home spa treatment or a coconut body scrub? Something for every skin type.
Want to know more about this wonderful shop? then read on......................

When Kelly was young, her mom thought she would be a chemist - but she is lousy at math - and her dad thought she would be a park ranger.
I suppose she did an unexpectedly splendid job of blending the two together.
Kelly has always been passionate about plants and their properties. Somewhere along the line a few years ago, she decided this is what she wants to do with her life, despite having gone to 3 colleges and changed degrees from photography, creative writing, to elementary education and traveling and living all across the united states.
She is working on her Clinical Herbalism degree, and he is working in economics.
Kelly and Scott are both 24 years old and currently reside in Boulder, Colorado with our rescue cat - kitty face. We live in a small, beautiful cabin nestled at the foot of the Flatiron Mountains, surrounded by plum trees and ivy. What’s not to love?
Kelly has been vegan since she was 6 years old, which started out as a health issue and evolved into a conscious decision. Scott has been vegan for over two years now.
When Kelly started her business, she was just making bulk organic herbal teas, each with different health benefits, and selling them to a café in Boulder. We are still doing that, but she decided that enough is enough with having to rely on other shady businesses for every day products. What are those ingredients? Why are they in there? What do they do? She developed her own lip balms and lotions with simple, organic ingredients, with no animal products, and wanted to share them with everyone. So came about twig & leaf botanicals. We use only organic butters, oils, and plant materials, and strive to use organic locally grown plants when we can. We believe that everyone should have access to simple, natural, and healthy products with an affordable price. We also use ALL recycled paper and glass packaging, and no plastics, because plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leak into your products - and we’re pretty sure no one wants to rub that into their skin.

Check out their Etsy Shop and browse the wonderful products, and for interesting information and lovely photos, hop on over to their Blog, wonderfully inspiring, and a fabulous blog.

On a lovely sunny day, who wouldn't want a delicious vegan ice-cream?

Take a wafer cone - I used one from the Carousel Wafer Company which is vegan suitable, and available from Sainsbury's supermarket.

Fill it with a  mix of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice-cream from Swedish Glace. Available from good supermarkets or wholefood shops. Swedish Glace make a wonderful selection of non-dairy "ice-creams", all vegan and kosher certified.

Top if off with a couple of minty crisp wafer thins, I had a box of Mint Thins from Waitrose, that are vegan suitable and very tasty indeed.

The result is a very satisfying, delicious vegan ice-cream cone with chocolate mint wafers.
Being vegan certainly doesn't mean missing out on tasty treats.

Chocolate Rice Milk that hits the spot!

Being vegan, it's not always easy to find a chocolate drink that satisfies you, and lives up to ones expectations.

My two favourite are
Provamel Organic Soya Chocolate Drink
and Rice Dream.
Both companies have an excellent range of dairy free, vegan suitable products. And both companies produce a vegan suitable chocolate "milk". Rice dream is slightly sweeter that the provamel, but I enjoyed them both. As with all milky type drinks they taste better cold, so refrigerate before use, would be recommended.

Introducing a Fabulous Cake Maker and Raw Food Wonder Woman

I recently met the lovely Nicola who makes the most delicious and healthy cakes under the name of Miss P's and divine raw chocolates as Kali Star. All wonderful. Cardiff based. Nicola is expanding her soon to be empire of delicious food. Currently looking for premesis, that need to be fairly central, holding raw chocolate workshops with her good friend Emma Jones, and working at raw food retreats, Phew, a busy lady. Nicola is interested in superfoods, and raw foods. Her blog has some wonderful, nutricious and delicious recipres, and is a jolly good read too. As soon as she has found suitable premesis, she will take orders for ready made meals, bake wonderful cakes, also she's also interested in taking orders for a food co-op. So many ideas. These are indeed exciting times for Nicola.

I sampled her lemon and poppy seed cake. Nicola makes cakes with ingredients that are naturally much better for you than with refined ingredients, that go into most cakes. So they're gluten free, sugar free, and vegan. Nicola used a sugar subsitiute for sweetening (can't remember what it's called), but it works well. The cake was a good size, so plenty to share around. It went down well with friends, and was very tasty indeed.
to find out more about Nicola's plans and latest endevours check out her blog or email her at lovelivelearndreamgrow@hotmail.com

Totnes - a nice town to visit.

I have just come back from a short mid week break in Devon and Cornwall. Because we left it late to book b&b's we had to juggle a bit, so the route went - Totnes - Looe - Totnes, a lot of travelling.


The reason for going to Looe was to visit the Monkey Sanctuary, which I had heard a bit about and wanted to visit. the staff at the Monkey Sanctuary are friendly, and they have a lovely cafe serving vegetarian and vegan food. We had a wonderful carrot cake and coffee, perfect for the start of our visit. The monkeys are all rescued from appalling situations, so it helps to keep this in mind, as they are confined to enclosures with wire runs, and it may on first sight seem a bit concerning, seeing them confined. One of the workers gave a talk about the Sanctuary and it's rescues. It was interesting to learn more about the history of the place, and it's future plans. The layout of the Sanctuary is well thought out, and they do as much rehabilitation of the monkeys as is possible. There are lovely sprawling gardens to relax in, and a pond which is a haven for wildlife. the Monkey sanctuary do admirable rescue work, and the woolly back monkeys are so very cute.
Back at Totnes we stayed at a wonderful  B&B called Dart Villas. It was a lovely, clean, fresh place, with an amazing view from the master bedroom. The bed was very comfortable. I recommend the fresh fruit salad and porridge of the day breakfast, delicious - I've never had banana and ginger porridge before, and it was very tasty.

Totnes is a quaint town, with quite an eclectic mix of shops and people.

We found a fabulous vegetarian cafe selling tasty vegan food, called Willow Cafe:

We had Vegan paella, which was interesting and tasty, and I must look up a recipe for it! this was served with a lovely mix of vegan salads. A very tasty, wholesome lunch! there was also a nice selection of vegan cakes. So nice to go somewhere where we can get vegan food easily.




Another funky veggie cafe was Fat Lemons. They had a basic menu, which was fine for a quick bite or a light lunch.






There was a fab wholefood store, which was a decent size and carried a good range of products, situated in the 'square'. later that day we bought a vegan 'ice cream', made of coconut and rice milk among other things, and sat in the square watching the world go by.

Later we found a beach, just up the road from Blackpool Beach, which was less popular, and paddled our toes in the cold, cold water, then sat on the pebbled beach, enjoying the sea air, and peacefulness.




Altogether a wonderful break, very relaxing and interesting.

To Happy Vegans

Just come back from a fabulous day at the Eco Veggie Fayre in Bristol. a bit dissapointed that not all stalls were 100% vegan, but the fayre was mainly vegan, so we went along. A website that I have been following with interest had a stall there: To Happy Vegans.

I was excited to meet them, and try their fabulous cakes. I immediately eat their carrot cupcake, and it was wonderful.  Moist and sweet, a perfect little cake. i have bought a mixed box, and look forward to trying them tomorrow, and maybe the next day, although i'm not sure I can be that disciplined. The two women there, were friendly, they had a lovely assortment of cakes, and I am very pleased to say the cakes are delicious!

Anyone in the bristol area, can pop along to the Eco Veggie Fayre tomorrow, as it's still on. i highly recommend it. we had a good day
eating, shopping, socialising and generally relaxing. FAB!

NOTE TO ORGANISERS: PLEASE CHANGE IT BACK TO THE VEGAN FAYRE - that way at least vegans will not have to check what's vegan at the fayre!!!!

The courage of a dog.

This post about activists in Greece is truly amazing.

Positive thoughts for a very brave dog, that s/he keeps safe amongst the riots and danger.

next time you're in Brighton.............

I love Brighton! I love to visit Brighton. I must get my Brighton fix about once a year, it seems that a weekend does the trick! It is veggie heaven. Brighton is a very liberal sort of city, a bit alternative a bit touristy, very gay in many ways, and a wonderful place for veggies, especially vegans.
No-one could possibly check out all the veggie places in a couple of days, but there are a few tried and tested cafes and shops, that I throughly recommend.
Firstly, a place to stay. we usually stay at Paskins Town House . The rooms are clean and bright. the owners are friendly, and they cook a very satisfying full vegan breakfast. that'll set you up for the day! A bit of advice though- it's not exclusively vegan, so try to sit as far away from anyone who looks like they may order smoked kippers or a full english breakfast- yuk!
It's a gentle walk, about 10-15 mins, along the seafront to the town. Just take in that fresh sea air, and stroll on down.

The town can get very busy, after all, it's a very well known tourist spot, so I would recommend going into town early to avoid a lot of people traffic. I prefer the North Lanes to the Laines, as the Laines tend to be a lot of expensive shops and jewellery shops, whereas the North Laines are hip, cool, trendy, all styles and prices, something for everyone, lots of cafes in the street, with colourful people watching the world go by.

My favourite shops include Vegetarian Shoes, where you can buy vegan suitable shoes in all sorts of styles, including the famous Vegan Airseal boots.




The North Lanes are full of eclectic shops, and it's easy for the day to pass by while you browse in them.
There happened to be an Art and Craft fair at Komedia, which has stalls of handcrafted items from gifts to clothes to household goods. it's held monthly, and is worth checking out, Free entry.

At Cafe Iydea we had the most delicious vegan cake and coffee. It had pieces of fruit in it, and was sweet and creamy and light, and simply divine. One of the best vegan cakes I have ever had.






Later in the day we called into Terre a Terre. Where we were lucky enough to get seats without a reservation, although it would be wise to book if you had the time to plan it. the food was wonderful, the ambiance calm, the staff attentive and polite. It was lovely.

The next day we visited V Bites. It's funky, it's fun, it's family friendly. The amazing Heather Mills has opened her very own Vegan Cafe , how cool is that! she's also bought Redwoods who sell a range of meat and cheese alternatives that are all vegan suitable.Heather has recent launched V Bites in the US, and I hear it's going very well.
Thank you Heather for having such admirable beliefs, and putting her money where her mouth is. She's a straight talking no nonsense kinda gal, who is a fierce defender of animals rights and human rights, and has done some wonderful work promoting causes and raising funds. I can't praise her enough, and hope her ventures go from strength to strength.

Brighton is the place for fashion, politics, cafes and shopping, and I love it.

Sweet Vegetable Spanish Omelette

1 medium sweet potato
1 medium white potato
piece of swede about 2 inches square
piece of butternut squash about 2 inches square
1 parsnip
1 carrot
1 onion
1 stock cube
8 tablespoons chick pea flour
5 tablespoons soya milk
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
shake of cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil

Wash vegetables, peel carrot, parsnip, swede, butternut squash and onion. scrub potatoes and cut off any undesirable bits on the skin. chop all the vegetables into small cubes, about 1 cm square or less.
Water in a large pan, bring to boil, add stock cube, add vegetables, and boil until soft (cooked).
Put soya milk, oil, vinegar and and 8 tablespoons of water from the cooked vegetables into a large bowl, and mix (with a hand held mixer if you have one). the consistence should be soft but not slack. add more vegetable water if needed.
Add the cooked vegetables, and mix with a large spoon, turning until all is covered and mixed.
cover a large, deep frying pan with cooking oil, and heat on a low setting. when hot, add the mix, and let it cook with the lid on, still on a low setting. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the mix looks to be solidifying, and going brown on the bottom.
Now this is the very tricky bit - loosen the omelette from the base of the pan, and turn over. Let it cook through for about 5 minutes more. When it loook firm but soft, it is ready.
Can be eaten hot or cold.